Wanted: New free-speech post child because one Tennessee lawmaker has seen the error of his ways. Earlier this month the state representative proposed a new free speech law called the “Milo Bill”. But after Milo Yiannopoulos’ recent comments on pedophilia, the name has been changed.
Representative Martin Daniels, a Republican, proposed the bill after seeing the anti-Milo protests at University of California at Berkeley. The bill is designed to “implement oversight of administrators’ handling of free speech issues”. Originally dubbed the “Milo Bill”, Daniels tweeted out on Monday that the name was changed to include other free-speech advocates or those persecuted for their speech.
We’re adding names to HB739. It will also be known as the Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, & the MLK JR. bill. #1A #FreeSpeech
— Rep. Martin Daniel (@RepMartinDaniel) February 20, 2017
“It seemed appropriate at that time to name it after someone who has been persecuted for freedom of speech,” Daniel told local news. “What we want to do is make it clear that this bill is about freedom of speech, not just one person,” he said. “We are going to reference people who have been free speech advocates in the past.”
Daniels also told local news that he wasn’t aware of everything that was in the Yiannopoulos video, but he was obviously aware enough that he felt it necessary to distance himself and the legislation. Daniel said the bill is only about free speech and he condemns Yiannopoulos’s comments.